The final three contestants, Adam, Danny, and Kris, perform on American Idol

The American Idol top 3 — Kris Allen, Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert — sang their hearts out last night in an attempt to get into next week’s finale. The votes are all in but we won’t find out the results until tonight. As Tom Petty so eloquently crooned, “the waiting is the hardest part.”

The contestants sang two songs each, one chosen by the judges and the other chosen by the singers themselves. Paula picked “Dance Little Sister” by Terence Trent D’Arby for Danny to perform. I love TTD as much as the next guy, but couldn’t she have picked a more iconic song, like “Wishing Well” or “Sign Your Name Across My Heart?” Danny did a fine job, but it bordered on Taylor Hicks-ville in my humble opinion.

Randy and Kara selected OneRepublic’s “Apologize” for Kris. He tickled the ivories and sang beautifully, but I agree with Kara’s assessment that it was merely “competent.” That said, all Kris has to do is flash his cutie patootie smile and all is forgiven.

Simon got special permission from Bono to allow Adam to sing U2’s “One.” I love every version of this tune that I’ve ever heard — from Mary J. Blige’s cover to the Cowboy Junkies’ — and now I can add Adam’s to my iTunes collection. The kid can sing!

So, who do you think has a guaranteed spot in next week’s finals? Voice your choice in today’s featured poll. And post your comments below on what you thought about last night’s performances.

I think Danny will go tonight.
he is ok but not as good as Kris, and definitely not as fantastic as Adam.
If Adam doesn’t win then i will never watch Idol again.
He is the best singer I have ever seen on there.

Sorry Danny, the season’s original front runner, you get the bronze. To take the word’s from the eloquent song from Rascal Flats, here comes the heartache. He has to go!! I could so write for Paula!!!!

I think Danny will be gone, and there may be a bomb shellin the finals that will leave Chris the winner.
I think they are all great talents and I’m sure their futures are secure, as well as a couple of others who were voted off.